gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə  ˈga-  ˈgä- 

1

: a festive celebration

especially : a public entertainment marking a special occasion

2

capitalized : a medium-sized apple with crisp yellowish-white sweet flesh and a red skin or a golden skin with red striping

gala adjective

Synonyms

• carnival
• celebration
• fest
• festival
• festivity
• fete
• fête
• fiesta
• jubilee

Examples of gala in a Sentence

a grand gala celebrating the town's centennial

attended the gala celebrating the reopening of the museum

Recent Examples on the Web

Diana memorably wore the striking ring with a Versace dress for a fundraising gala in Sydney in 1996 and only donned it on one other occasion: a party celebrating the launch of her dress auction at Christie’s the following year. —Clara Strunck, Glamour, 11 Feb. 2025

There’s a best-and-worst-dressed list for everything: award shows, galas, the Houston Rodeo, Wimbledon, the Kentucky Derby, and, indeed, pre-game fits. —Julian Randall, Essence, 9 Feb. 2025

Crow River Habitat for Humanity is gearing up for its 30th anniversary gala, marking three decades of providing affordable housing to McLeod County. —Janean Sorrell, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025

Crisis Center gala planned in Tinley Park Crisis Center for South Suburbia’s Sweet Home Chicago Gala takes place Feb. 22 at Odyssey Country Club, 19110 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, borrowed from Spanish, "elegance, pomp, occasion marked by display," borrowed from Middle French gale "festivity, pleasure" — more at gallant entry 1

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gala

noun

ga·​la ˈgā-lə  ˈgal-ə 

: a festive celebration

gala adjective